Jacsprat

I'm fairly wide open as to where I can purchase. I'd probably end up cruising around the middle of England somewhere as that's where the bulk of my work may end up. Presently eyeing up a couple of small boats near Nottingham, but they are in brokerages dammit! I'd put in a lower offer on one and buy it without viewing or survey in person if I could - I kind of know this particular boat and its history already. I'd take the risk. Private, insider joke I take it??? Lol!

Yes - even though I'm not an experienced boater, this is how I've imagined things being on the network at the moment. I'd be quite happy indeed to stay on the boat as a CCer for now and not move far. I have a lot to learn and study - a terrible situation, but a good opportunity to ease into boat life!

Somehow especially not in my life! But I kind of like it that way...

Indeed, but the situation is a bit out of the ordinary. I'm in the annex of an elderly lady's property. Her daughter understandably wants to come and care for her mother during the crisis (something I'm doing at the moment as an emergency measure) and needs the annex for herself. I'm under pressure to move on. Already here a month past our original agreement.

As far as I understand, it is possible to legally move at the moment, but discouraged. You are right though - it'll be a renter's market for a while. Money thrown out the window, however, if I can get on a boat.

Possibly, but happy to CC until a mooring is possible (understand that it's only 'essential travel' on the canal at the moment). What a world we are in at the 'mo! You've read my mind.

I can't imagine so. I talked with a broker today and he said all boat-related business have been ordered shut. I'm sure the exceptions are those who provide essential services to residential boaters. In my situation, I have two months before I have to leave my rental - fingers crossed it'll be enough time to find a decent boat and be allowed to purchase it!

Yes, certainly in your line of work, it's hard to imagine anything at all going forward this year. Very sorry for all of the folks that count on that kind of thing. I do hope you're wrong about boat sellers though - I'm thinking that it may be one of those businesses they'll allow to get up and running shortly as long as they practice good social distance habits. I've found a couple of boats that may work, but will have to sit on it until at least the end of this particular lock down, and probably longer - urgh. If I can't get a boat in the next two months, I'll have to find another rental to spend a fortune on. Much rather put that money towards a boat...alas!

Very wise Dave - good, philosophical answer! Thank you

Yes - fully understood. Shopping online at the moment, and as soon as restrictions are loosened, I hope to view my narrowed-down list in person of course. I will aim for full survey and proper handover. I guess I should qualify the question by saying, 'post-lockdown'.

Don't think too much about it - gut instinct responses from experienced boaters living aboard greatly appreciated! Are you all feeling positive out there, or is the future of CCing looking a bit grim, especially for those working from their boats? A small amount of background for me: I just got back to the UK after a year of bicycle touring abroad with my little dog - arrived about two months before the outbreak and am in precarious, temporary rented accommodation : ( www.dogandsnailbiketravels.com) I've been looking at narrow boats for about two years, so have swotted up on what I can from a newbie perspective I have an extensive background of full-time living and travelling in campervans built a basic tiny house mostly by myself in Canada which I lived in for a couple of years, so am comfortable with basic DIY don't have a huge budget, alas, so am looking at shorter boats with good hulls and engines as a priority I'll probably have to work off the boat, so a marina mooring may be necessary. Plan is to work two weeks per month and cruise (when restrictions are loosened) for the other two weeks Thank you in advance for your thoughtful replies! Stay well!!